The Course Catalog lists all courses for each UWM program. The Catalog is broken down by School or College, then program. Each program will include some or all of the following information:

Program Description and Information

Major and Minor Requirements

Requirements for Honors in the Major

Course Name and Number

Course Credits, Level, Description, and Prerequisites

Recommended Schedule by Semester

Program Faculty

Schedule of Classes

The Schedule of Classes is a list of classes offered by term. You can browse terms in advance so that you can discuss your next semester with your Academic Advisor. Each course will have the following information:

The Schedule of Classes includes both undergraduate and graduate level classes. Graduate students can enroll for their classes in PAWS just like any other on-campus class.

Classes numbered 700-999 are labeled with a “G” and are for graduate students only. Both graduate and undergraduate students can take classes numbered 300-699. These are labeled with a “U/G.” Some graduate students may not earn credit for “U/G” classes.

Classes numbered 299 and lower are labeled with a “U” and are for undergraduates only. Undergraduate students can take classes numbered up to 699, but some may require special permission. Contact your Academic Advisor for more information.

Online Classes

The Schedule of Classes includes classes that are 100% online or blended. Blended, or hybrid classes, combine online and in person instruction. You can enroll for these classes in PAWS just like any other on-campus course.

Online classes use D2L, Desire to Learn, as the main tool of instruction. If you’ve never taken an online class before, talk to your Academic Advisor for tips and suggestions, or browse the Online Student D2L resources for first-time users.

Off-Campus and Study Abroad Classes

The Schedule of Classes includes off-campus and Study Abroad classes.

You can enroll for off-campus classes in PAWS just like any other on-campus course. Off-campus classes are typically scheduled for on-site education, fieldwork, and training. Off-campus classes can cost additional fees, so read the class information carefully.

Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to travel internationally as part of a for-credit educational experience. You need to complete an application and have a current passport before you can be considered. Contact the Center for International Education to apply.

Enrolling in Classes

All active UWM students can enroll in classes online through PAWS during the Open Enrollment Period.

Enrollment is the process of signing up for your classes electronically in PAWS. You’ll be able to enroll in classes as long as you meet these requirements:

You were enrolled in classes at UWM within the past two fall/spring terms (if not, you will have to apply for re-entry to UWM)

Your graduation date is not at the end of the current semester (if so, contact the Registrar’s Office to postpone your graduation date or submit an application for a new program to pursue after graduation)

If you’re changing the number of credits in your schedule or swapping classes that require additional fees, you may be increasing or decreasing your total charges. Check your PAWS account for an accurate, up-to-date total of your charges. You can contact the Bursar Office for more information.

If you’re covering all or part of your charges with financial aid, you have to make it to the “60% Point” of the semester to earn your entire financial aid award. If you drop one or more classes before the “60% Point,” you’ll be responsible for paying back at least a portion of the financial aid you’ve accepted. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

If you enroll in a class that you don’t meet the prerequisites for, but you haven’t requested Class Permission

If you don’t show up for the first week of class and don’t notify anyone

If you ever fail to meet the class attendance policy

Instructors and departments issue Administrative Drops at their discretion. If you know you won’t be able to attend a class, complete a drop in PAWS or ask your Academic Advisor for help. You may be responsible for the tuition of a dropped class, so it’s important to act as early as possible.

If you need to leave school for personal or medical reasons, you need to complete a withdrawal. After the first day of class, you are responsible for withdrawal fees or a percentage of your tuition. Withdrawing after the 25% point for any of your classes will result in a “W” grade for those classes on your transcript. A “W” grade is an administrative notation; it has no impact on your GPA or ability to re-enroll in classes.

Before the 50% point for each of your classes, you can withdraw on your own by successfully dropping each of your classes in PAWS. Dropping all of your classes in PAWS will automatically result in a withdrawal.

After the 50% point for each of your classes, approval is required for withdrawal. Approval will only be granted for reasons other than academic difficulty. Print out and complete a Withdrawal Form. Return the form to your Academic Advisor by certified mail, fax, or in person. Additional information may be required by your Academic Advisor before the withdrawal request is considered.

Check your PAWS Student Center to verify withdrawal. From your Student Center, click on the Enroll link in the Academics section and select the applicable term. If your withdrawal is processed, a red box will appear indicating that your status is withdrawn.

When You Can’t Add A Class…

You will only be able to add classes after your Enrollment Appointment and during Open Enrollment.

First, make sure you can view the class in PAWS. If you aren’t able to log in to PAWS, call the Help Desk at (414) 229-4040.

Speak to your Academic Advisor to find out what your options are if you don’t understand why you can’t add a class.

You might not be able to add a class if you don’t meet the prerequisites (or course requirements). If a course requires a prerequisite, it will be explained in the Notes section of the Schedule of Classes or in PAWS under the class Description in one of the following ways:

Previous Coursework (Economics 101 before Economics 301)

Year in School (Junior Status)

Placement Test Scores (Level 3 score on German Placement Test)

Admission to a Specific Major (Dance majors only)

Grade Point Average (Minimum GPA of 2.5)

Permission of an Instructor (Independent Study)

If you don’t meet the prerequisites and you enroll in a class anyway, you might be dropped. If you think you’re prepared to take a class but don’t meet the prerequisites, you can work with your Academic Advisor to request permission using the Add-Drop Form.

Holds on Your PAWS Account

If you have a hold on your PAWS account, you might not be able to add classes. Holds could also prevent you from receiving a diploma or having your transcripts released. To view your holds, log in to PAWS and review the items under the yellow Holds header.

You can click the blue details link to view a full list of your holds. Click on the name of the hold in blue to read the instructions for removal. If you have trouble understanding your next steps, you will also find contact information for the department that placed the hold so that you can ask for help.

If you have trouble finding your holds, or if you have general questions about holds, you can contact the Help Desk at (414) 229-4040.

Using Wait Lists

You won’t be able to add a class if it is full. Many classes offer Wait Lists in PAWS for you to hold your place in line in case seats open up. Generally, Wait lists are active until the last Friday before classes start, but you should check the Registrar’s Important Dates Calendar for exact dates by term.

Wait List classes are full (but not closed) and are marked with a yellow triangle

The Class Availability shows you how many students are on the Wait List already

If you add yourself to the Wait List, you can view your place in line under my class schedule in the Academics section

If a seat opens up and you don’t have any scheduling conflicts, you’ll be automatically enrolled

The Add-Drop Form allows you to be administratively added to or dropped from a class when you can’t add or drop yourself in PAWS. Work with your Academic Advisor to complete and submit an Add-Drop Form.

Fill out the term/class information completely and sign the Add-Drop Form in the student signature section or your form may not be processed. Your Academic Advisor can provide School or College approval on your form. Graduate students can request School or College approval from the Office of Graduate Education. Your Instructor can usually sign for Department Approval (Business and Chemistry courses require separate department approval).